IRISH DOZEN READY FOR TOWCESTER TEST
Ian Fortune
With the news of the withdrawal of Bubbly Hogan ahead of the quarter finals of the Star Sports & Orchestrate English Greyhound Derby, Ireland now have superior numbers to the home team in the classic which continues at Towcester this evening.
12 of the remaining 23 are trained in Ireland and it’s conceivable they could increase their superiority this evening with a strong representation in each of the four heats.
ACE CAN PRODUCE MORE MAGIC
Epic Ace was simply incredible in the third round, scorching around in a wide margin success in a track record breaking 28.14.
If he repeats that form he will again emerge on top in the first of the four heats but this is unlikely to be a procession with his rivals including the UK’s best Proper Heiress, Monmore Puppy Derby winner Underground Gold and the professional early pacer Droopys Aladdin.
Of course, Epic Ace isn’t the only Irish runner in the contest as Ballymac Iroko is drawn on the outside in six with a vacant box on his inner. Indeed, the absence of Bubbly Hogan could really work in favour of Ballymac Iroko who seems certain to have plenty of space into the turn.
Epic Ace is the one to beat, however. He comes into this contest in the form of his career and John Kennedy will be hoping his charge can again start on terms. If doing so, he is likely to have too much ammunition for his rivals into the turn and is selected to lead home a talented field. Ballymac Iroko may be available at big prices but he too could possibly arrive late and fast to progress.
CAN DUFFLE OVERPOWER RIVALS AGAIN?
Ballymac Duffle will look to remain unbeaten in the classic in Heat 2 where he lines up alongside his compatriots Gaytime Clyde and Priceless Romeo.
Ballymac Duffle is disputing favouritism in the outright market after three stunning displays, two of which were track record breaking efforts but his latest run from a mile off the pace was perhaps his most eye-catching run.
Coming from an impossible position, he made some verry fast greyhounds look slow. With a return to his fast-starting ways, he can turn close to the pace before making his superior power and pace count from the second turn.
Gaytime Clyde and Priceless Romeo are both fast enough to mount a bold challenge but need to be at their sharpest in the early yards as leading UK tracker Scooby The Lady is a likely leader from two.
A STRONG IRISH HAND
The Irish have a particularly strong hand in Heat 4 where the top four in the betting are trained on this side of the Irish Sea.
Lennies Eddie and Lennies Tank represent Paul Hennessy and both have strong claims, although both will need to have their trapping boots on.
Certainly at 8-1 in places, Lennies Tank looks a big overpriced. Donishall Sam also has claims at big prices for Graham Holland from an ideal draw on the fence,. He has been running on strongly, but one suspects this could come down to a shootout between Lennies Eddie and Ballymac Deniro.
Lennies Tank is likely to go up fast on the outside of the track but tends to drift wide if there are dogs on his inner. Lennies Eddie and Ballymac Deniro seem likely to race prominently and they can move on as they hit the back straight.
Ballymac Deniro seems to be getting better with each start and is ready to go fast. He is just chosen ahead of Lennies Eddie but it is a tight call.
RALF LOOKS TO FOLLOW UP
Half of the field in Heat 4 is Irish trained. Liam Dowling’s Ballymac Ralf is a warm favourite after a massive third round effort when flashing from traps to dominate.
He isn’t always that fast from boxes but does seem certain to have a big say.
Hackney Coner and Getup The Boy complete the Irish team and neither can be ignored. Indeed, Hackney Corner has plenty in his favour and were he to come away racing, he could make a bold bid from the front. Getup The Boy looked more like his brilliant self last week and he could be a touch overpriced.
The Irish take on Strike It Skye, one of the UK’s best hopes for Derby glory. The powerful lady is drawn in two and would be ready to pounce should the Irish fail to fire.